IPL 2019: The ideal XI that Mumbai Indians should aim for after the auction

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya and Ben Cutting

Cutting must be preferred over Pollard

All-rounders have been the strength of the Mumbai Indians practically every season. These players have provided flexibility in the line-up and eased the pressure on captain Rohit several times.

Kieron Pollard is now basically an out-of-form batsman who hardly bowls in any match, so he doesn't quite fit this category anymore. He is still a great fielder, but MI need to start looking beyond him.

The Pandya brothers along with Ben Cutting will be the best possible approach. MI can also look for other choices like Dan Christian or Carlos Brathwaite if needed.

Bowlers: Chris Woakes, Mayank Markande, Jaydev Unadkat and Jasprit Bumrah

Woakes could be a good pick for Mumbai

Chris Woakes may not have had an impact last season but he is a quality cricketer. He can bowl at both the ends of the innings and is a decent batsman too. MI can also try to get the young Sam Curran for this role.

Markande was good last season, and so would make for a regular presence in the XI. Rahul Chahar can also be used in bursts, and MI may also think of buying an overseas spinner.

Bumrah and Unadkat will form an exciting bowling partnership, but MI might have to ward off some competition to purchase Unadkat. They have many other choices in this area though, with the likes of Shami, Mohit Sharma and Barinder Sran also up for grabs in the auctions.

Mumbai also have the Kiwi duo of Adam Milne and McClenaghan as back-up, who could support the bowling attack whenever required.